Halloween Pumpkin Spice Grilled Cheese (Print Version)

Pumpkin purée and warming spices melt with cheese in a golden, autumn-inspired sandwich for Halloween.

# Components:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices hearty sourdough or country bread

→ Pumpkin Filling

02 - 1/2 cup canned pumpkin purée
03 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
05 - 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
06 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
07 - 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Cheese

10 - 2 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced
11 - 2 oz Gruyère or mozzarella cheese, sliced

→ Butter

12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Method:

01 - Combine the canned pumpkin purée with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, allspice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and thoroughly blended.
02 - Arrange the bread slices on a clean surface. Evenly spread the prepared pumpkin mixture onto two of the bread slices. Layer the sliced cheddar and Gruyère (or mozzarella) cheese over the pumpkin mixture on these two slices.
03 - Place the remaining two bread slices on top of the cheese-layered slices to form two complete sandwiches. Ensure the fillings are enclosed.
04 - Generously spread the softened unsalted butter evenly over the outer surfaces of each sandwich. This will ensure a golden-brown crust when cooked.
05 - Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully place the buttered sandwiches onto the hot surface. Cook for approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula. Continue until the bread achieves a golden-brown color and the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
06 - Remove the grilled sandwiches from the skillet. Allow them to cool slightly before cutting them in half. If desired, use a cookie cutter to create festive Halloween shapes.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely have during pumpkin season
  • Perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors
  • Can be cut into fun Halloween shapes for festive appeal
02 -
  • Perfect for both lunch and dinner or even as a festive party appetizer when cut into smaller pieces
  • Contains vegetables through the pumpkin making it slightly more nutritious than standard grilled cheese
  • Can be made ahead and reheated in a skillet for a quick meal
03 -
  • For the crispiest exterior brush the bread with melted butter instead of spreading it for more even coverage
  • Use room temperature cheese for better melting results
  • Let your skillet heat up properly before adding the sandwich a properly heated pan prevents soggy bread
  • If making multiple sandwiches keep finished ones warm in a 200°F oven while completing the batch
  • The perfect cooking temperature is medium low which allows the cheese to melt completely without burning the bread

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